How I Chose My First Snake (And What Went Wrong)
When I brought home my very first snake, a young ball python, I was full of excitement. Within two weeks, though, I was panicking: it refused to eat. I had done what many beginners do—I picked the species that “looked cool” without learning about its quirks.
Ball pythons are notorious for going on hunger strikes if their environment isn’t just right. A vet later told me:
“Ball pythons are often the first snake people buy, but they’re not always the best beginner choice because of their feeding sensitivity.” — Dr. Kevin Wright, DVM, reptile specialist.
That mistake taught me the value of picking a species that forgives beginner errors. Below, I’ll share the snake species I’ve personally kept (or helped others keep), the mistakes I made, and the expert-backed reasons they’re recommended for beginners.
The Snake Species That Made My Journey Easier
1. Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Why experts recommend them:
According to the RSPCA, corn snakes are among the most popular beginner snakes because of their hardy nature, manageable size (4–6 ft), and willingness to eat frozen-thawed prey.
My experience:
My corn snake was a dream to care for—until it escaped. I underestimated how skilled they are at squeezing through gaps. I found it a week later behind a bookshelf.
Lesson I learned: Lockable lids aren’t optional. Corn snakes are the ultimate beginner species if you secure their enclosure properly.
2. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
Why experts recommend them:
Reptiles Magazine calls rosy boas “ideal for first-time keepers” thanks to their small size (2–3 ft) and calm demeanor.
My experience:
A rosy boa was the first snake I handed to a nervous friend. Instead of jerky movements, it calmly coiled in her hands. She actually said: “I thought snakes were scary, but this is kind of peaceful.”
Lesson I learned: If you want a pet that feels safe for both you and others, a rosy boa is nearly unbeatable.
3. Kenyan Sand Boa (Gongylophis colubrinus)
Why experts recommend them:
Exotic pet vets often suggest Kenyan sand boas because they stay under 3 ft and have simple care needs.
My experience:
At first, I thought something was wrong because I never saw mine. Weeks went by with no activity—until one night, I caught it ambushing prey from under the substrate. That was its nature: burrowing.
Lesson learned: They’re not a display snake, but they’re fascinating if you enjoy observing unique behaviors.
4. California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)
Why experts recommend them:
Known for their hardiness, kingsnakes adapt well to different setups and usually eat readily. But they’re solitary—never house them together.
My experience:
I once made that mistake. I placed two in one enclosure, thinking I could “save space.” Within minutes, I had to separate them before one tried to swallow the other.
Lesson learned: A kingsnake is perfect for beginners if kept alone. They’re curious, active, and easy to care for.
5. Garter Snake (Thamnophis spp.)
Why experts recommend them:
Garters are active, diurnal (daytime), and thrive in a varied diet. They’re often suggested for keepers who want a more visible, interactive pet.
My experience:
My garter snake was the opposite of my Kenyan sand boa—it never hid. I’d watch it swim, bask, and explore daily. The challenge? It needed smaller, more frequent meals.
Lesson learned: Perfect for someone who wants a “show snake,” but less ideal if you want a very low-maintenance pet.
Comparison at a Glance
| Species | Size | Temperament | Lifespan | Beginner Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Snake | 4–6 ft | Docile, curious | 15–20 yrs | ★★★★★ |
| Rosy Boa | 2–3 ft | Calm, slow | 20+ yrs | ★★★★★ |
| Kenyan Sand Boa | 2–3 ft | Shy, burrows | 15–20 yrs | ★★★★☆ |
| California Kingsnake | 3–4 ft | Active, hardy | 20+ yrs | ★★★★☆ |
| Garter Snake | 2–3 ft | Very active | 10–15 yrs | ★★★★☆ |
The Checklist I Wish I Had (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes)
Before Buying
- ✅ Choose a captive-bred snake (wild-caught = stressed, parasite risks)
- ✅ Ask for a feeding record (proven eaters save you stress)
- ✅ Find a reptile vet in your area before purchase
Enclosure Setup
- ✅ At least a 30–40 gallon tank for most species
- ✅ Two identical hides (warm and cool side)
- ✅ Digital thermometer + hygrometer (my old dial ones were way off)
- ✅ Lockable lid (especially for corn snakes!)
First Month Routine
- ✅ Minimal handling for the first week
- ✅ One feeding per week (or more frequent for garters)
- ✅ Weekly weight checks (especially helpful for sand boas)
- ✅ Spot-clean daily, deep clean monthly
My Biggest Beginner Mistakes (And How You Can Avoid Them)
- Buying a snake for looks instead of temperament (my ball python struggle)
- Trusting cheap analog thermometers (humidity was way off)
- Handling too much, too soon (stressed my first corn snake)
- Forgetting the escape-proof lid (leading to a week-long hide-and-seek game)
Final Thoughts: Which Snake Should You Start With?
If I could start over, I’d pick a corn snake every time. They’re hardy, forgiving, and enjoyable to handle.
If you want something calmer and long-lived, the rosy boa is fantastic.
If you love quirks, the Kenyan sand boa will surprise you.
The truth is, the best beginner snake isn’t about what’s “easiest”—it’s about what matches your lifestyle and expectations.
Owning snakes has taught me patience and humility. Every escape, every feeding refusal, every mistake became a lesson. And if you’re just starting, I hope my experiences help you skip the panic and move straight to the joy of keeping these amazing animals.